Let's Talk - Vacation Time!

I don't know if you have ever looked through Table Topics, but last year I bought a set for my hubby, just to see what they were all about, and if they really stimulated good conversation.  We've pulled out "the cube"at random times throughout the year and have really enjoyed them.  Unlike trivia questions, there are no right or wrong answers, so no one is every left out of the conversation.  Over the year we've learned some interesting things about some of our friends -- and about ourselves. 


Given the title of my blog, introducing the concept of table topics here seems rather fitting.  Going forward, you can expect to see a weekly post -- maybe a "Think About It Thursday" or "Let's Talk Tuesday"  (although I guess that would require some consistency in my efforts, and we know how that goes -- maybe they'll just be periodic!!).  Anyhow, I hope you'll pull up a chair and join the conversation -- and invite your friends to do the same.    If you have questions you'd like me to pose, please email me and I'll try to add them to the list.

OK, here we go.  I'm going to keep it really simple today. 

Pack your bags.  I'm sending you on a 5-day vacation anywhere you'd like to go.  Where are you going?  And why?

Image from Google images

My answer:  Sedona, AZ
A few years ago, I was in Phoenix for a conference.  I had heard from my parents that Sedona was a beautiful place, so one evening, I hopped in the car and drove there to check it out. 

I was only there for about 5 hours, but from the moment I laid eyes on the first red rock, I was overcome by a feeling a calm.  I walked up and down main street, then went to a little restaurant for dinner alone.  I ended up talking to the two couples who were seated on either side of my table.  They were incredibly interesting people, and we had an intense conversation about life, love, karma, and destiny.  When the restaurant closed, we said our goodbyes and each went our own way.  I drove back to Phoenix feeling an inner peace that I had never really felt before.  Sounds crazy, but the whole experience was very surreal.

Ever since that night I have wanted to go back with my husband.  Whether for 5 hours, or 5 days -- I know it would be a great trip. 

OK -- your turn.  Go.

Side Note: There are several versions of Table Topics -- some for families, for dating, for parties, and more.  I think they would be a great take-along for a long car ride, or camping trip (when you're sitting around the fire).  They'd also make a great hostess gift if you are looking for something other than a bottle of wine.

When Someone You Love is Abused at Work

As someone who typically tries to find the bright side of life, this post is going to be extremely off-topic for me -- so I apologize to my regular readers who look to me for a dose of inspiration or a good recipe.  Unfortunately, this topic is one that I feel I've been hearing about more and more lately -- and as a do-gooder in this crazy world, I'm trying to find answers.  I'm searching desperately for a way that I can help -- and I keep coming up empty.  I'm hoping someone out there can help me find a way to make a difference.

We're all keenly aware of horrific issues like domestic violence and child abuse.  And I'm sure many of us have been exposed to sexual harassment and diversity training in our workplace. As unpleasant as they may be, we've found a way to talk about and hopefully start resolving these kinds of abuse.  But lately I've heard several people, who are being abused in their workplace because of excrutiatingly poor management and leadership indifference. 

These are regular people who walk on eggshells at their jobs -- wondering if anything will happen that day to upset the angry monster that lives within their boss.  I can think of at least a half dozen people who have confided in me in the six months, sharing stories of bosses who fly off the handle, scream and yell,  threaten to fire them, put them on probation but give them no idea of what they've done wrong or how to improve. I even know of some who have in fact, been abruptly fired or forced to resign -- with no clear reason given as to why.

I know people who have gone on anti-anxiety medication after decades of perfect health, and others seeking professional counseling to deal with workplace anxiety.  And despite known complaints to human resources, and exit interviews where employees held nothing back about the magnitude of the problem, the managers who are at the root of the problem are never confronted, or held accountable for the environment that they've created.  In these difficult times, when jobs are so hard to find - the victims of the abuse feel helpless.  They take whatever is put upon them, and live in fear because they see no way out.

What has happened in this world that the executives of industries can look the other way, even though they know that this kind of workplace abuse is happening?  How does anyone sleep at night?   I've only heard stories -- and several within the past couple weeks that have truly turned my stomach -- and I know that I can't sleep at night.  And I'm not the one living it. 

So my question to anyone who cares to respond -- what advice do you give to a friend or family member who you believe is a victim of this kind of workplace abuse?   Do employees have a legal right to be managed with dignity and respect?   What is missing from our corporate worlds, that there could be so many people who rise to the level of authority, without learning how to lead and manage with decency and compassion? 

Something has got to change -- but what can I do to make a difference?

Pampered Chef Spicy Pineapple Rum Sauce

Long ago and far away, I used to sell Pampered Chef.  Needless to say, my kitchen is stocked with every imaginable kitchen tool (most of which I really use). So -- when I was invited to a PC show a few weeks ago, I didn't have that burning shopping enthusiasm that I always hoped guests would bring to my demos.  I love Pampered Chef stuff, and still fully believe they are among the best kitchen tools out there -- so I wanted to get something, but I just really didn't have much need.  

Thumbing through the catalog, I was getting a little nervous that I was going to have to buy something frivolous (and I don't really do frivolous that well) -- and then I saw it.  Spicy Pineapple Rum Sauce.  

Now maybe some people don't like the sound of that -- but to me, the name screamed "YUM!!"

I ordered it along with a couple smaller items.

Well, when my goodies arrived yesterday, I immediately started thinking about how I might use it.  I drove home from work with the sauce in the backseat of my car calling out all sorts of savory ideas.

A glaze on grilled chicken or salmon.  Poured over a block of cream cheese and served with crackers. Warmed and served over vanilla ice cream (I know that may sound nuts, but I have a feeling it would be amazing).

My mouth was watering every one of the 25-mile drive home from  work.  Yet I knew that I would have to wait at least another day to put the sauce to use.  After all, I hadn't planned on any of those things for dinner --- and it was too late in the evening to think about  going to the store and getting them.

When I pulled into the driveway, I caught the scent of something heavenly being cooked on the grill.  Unsure if it was an aroma coming from our deck or the neighbors, I walked into the house to find my husband standing at the refrigerator in search of "something," and my daughter sitting at the kitchen counter with a beautiful grilled something on the dinner plate in front of her.

"Mom, we would have made one for you, but we didn't know where you were, because you didn't answer your phone." 

I was so fixated on her dinner plate, that I couldn't even react.  On both Amy and Jeff's plate, sat one beautiful, but incredibly bare-looking grilled tuna steak.  Right away, I knew Jeff's head was in the fridge looking for some sort of dipping sauce, so before I even  had a chance to say hello, I said, "Oh my gosh, I know just what you're looking for -- and I can help."

I introduced them both to the Spicy Pineapple Rum Sauce...and within a minute they had both let out a sigh of satisfaction.

YUM.

Thankfully, there was an entire tuna steak for me to enjoy as well -- and darling hubby was good enough to interrupt his own dinner to grill it for me.  I poured some of  the sauce on top, to enjoy it with every bite.  It absolutely did not disappoint.

As long as Pampered Chef keeps that in their catalog, I will never be at a loss for what to buy again.  Double delish.

What in the World Is That Pain?

Day 2
Ouch.  I forgot those muscles existed.

I may have only done one set of reps on each of those machines yesterday, but I still feel it today.  Leaves me looking forward to my next workout with weights -- and grateful that today isn't the day I have to do it!

So - about last night.  My challenge was dining out, and a limited menu.  My plan was portion control and drinking lots of water.
Outcome: mildly successful

We ended up having more choices than I expected at this complimentary 3-course dinner at St. James Gate in Bethlehem.  I chose the tossed salad, grilled salmon with asparagus and a potato hash, and apple pie a la mode for dessert.  Dinner included a complimentary cocktail, and since it is an Irish pub, I chose a Harp....and a tall glass of water.

Everything was delish, which made the portion control incredibly challenging -- however I did leave a couple bites of the salmon and potatoes, as well as the dessert.  I know I could have done "better" and I probably should have skipped the Harp, but there was just something about an icy cold beer in an Irish pub on a steamy hot summer day (and the fact that it was complimentary) that just made me give in.

No regrets.  I savored every bite, and more importantly, enjoyed a night out with my mom.  

Plan for the Day: Restorative Yoga at lunchtime with some of my girlfriends.
Challenges: Oppressive heat is sucking the life out of me
Plan to Overcome Challenges:  Stay inside as much as possible.  Drink plenty of water.

No Excuses Rule du Jour:  Just do it!
Note to Self:  Remember to eat throughout the day -- don't let yourself get hungry.

Ready. Set. Go!